What's in the Box

At our nursery, we understand how important it is for parents to stay connected with the daily rituals that build your child’s confidence and social skills. The What’s in the Box? session is the highlight of the day for the babies and toddlers, designed to give every child a voice while fostering a collective love for music, rhythm and early literacy.

The What’s in the Box? routine is a wonderful exercise in building anticipation and focused listening. As the group gathers, a practitioner shakes the box and sings our special introductory song, signaling that it is time for a new discovery. This consistent routine helps even our youngest learners settle into a group environment, teaching them the value of patience and the joy of waiting for a surprise.

The heart of the session lies in child-led choice and empowerment. One by one, a child is invited to reach into the box and select a picture card that represents a specific nursery rhyme or number song. Whether they pull out a little star for Twinkle Twinkle or a bus for The Wheels on the Bus, this moment of selection gives the child a sense of agency and pride, as they are the ones "leading" the group's next musical adventure.

Once the song is chosen, the magic of collective singing begins. As everyone joins in together, the children practice vital communication skills, from mimicking the sounds of animals to masterfully coordinating hand actions. For our number rhymes, like Five Little Speckled Frogs, the props in the box provide a physical way to see 'one less' or 'one more', turning a simple song into a hands-on lesson in early mathematics and counting.

Beyond the musical fun, What’s in the Box? is a powerful tool for developing social bonds and turn-taking. The children learn to celebrate their peers' choices and participate enthusiastically in whatever song is pulled from the box. It creates a supportive community where every child’s contribution is valued, helping them build the self-esteem needed to express themselves clearly and confidently.

We love sharing these musical milestones with you through the Famly app, so you always know which songs were the 'star of the show' each day. By keeping you updated on our favourite rhymes, we hope to bridge the gap between nursery and home, allowing you to sing the same songs together and hear your child’s progress firsthand. Our team is always here to help if you ever need a refresher on the lyrics or the actions!